Disco de Simon & Garfunkel: “Old Friends: Live on Stage [2 CD+DVD Deluxe Edition]”

After some time waiting to do another reunion, Simon and Garfunkel got together in the aftermath of September 11. I eagerly awaited the release of this CD/DVD set and I was not disappointed! There are two CDs and a DVD from Simon and Garfunkel's 2003 Old Friends Tour.

The DVD allows us not just to see this fantastic duo perform live--which is especially good if you couldn't be there for the concert--you also get a great two CD set! Yes, the DVD shows that they have aged and their voices did change a little because of the natural aging process, but it's a great way to see them if you couldn't afford tickets or get to one of their concerts!

I think my favorite song here would have to be "Bridge Over Troubled Water." It is a very moving, deep and touching song about one human being reaching out to another. But there's hardly a stinker here! They perform "Mrs. Robinson," "The Sound Of Silence," and "The Boxer." There's no question why these songs are so well known and gave such fame to Simon and Garfunkel! Don't forget the song, "Leaves That Are Green," either! The duo also performs a song from their very early days when they called themselves Tom and Jerry, the song "Hey, Schoolgirl."

As Amazon and another reviewer have noted, The Everly Brothers join Simon and Garfunkel for "Bye Bye Love." Very well done--a treat! GRIN "The Only Living Boy in New York" is especially wonderful as well.

As an added bonus there is the brand new song by Simon and Garfunkel, "Citizen Of The Planet." Terrific! I predict you will enjoy it.

All in all, this is a value packed set that is a pleasure to add to your collection of fine music from the last 40 years! It's hard to believe that's just about how much time it's actually been since Simon and Garfunkel got underway! The CD/DVD set shows a reflective, seasoned Simon and Garfunkel that fans will forever appreciate and enjoy.

I'm just a casual Simon and Garfunkel fan. I actually wanted to see them in concert, but ticket prices put an end to that thought.

The concert is wonderful. "American Tune" is worth the purchase price alone. Art's voice on this song is incredible. I always admired Paul's version, but wow, Art brings new life to it.

In fact after watching this concert, I have a whole new appreciation for Garfunkel's contribution. Paul is a great song-writer and decent singer, but it's Art's contrasting style that makes this whole thing click. Of course I'm probably not saying anything hard-core fans don't already know. But I was just astonished at how beautiful his voice is...even now at his age.

One of my few complaints about the performance is how/why Paul felt the need to absolutely destroy "Bridge over troubled water" by taking over the lead on the 2nd verse. His nasal voice destroyed any and all musical momentum Art built up in the first verse. I was crushed.

Other than that. It's a great cd/dvd. Many wonderful songs bring goosebumps like Cecilia, America, The Boxer, Feelin Groovy etc.

My mommy and dad took me to the concert and we stayed in a big hotel. It was the most fun I ever had! I love Simon and Garfunkel and they sang my favorite Mrs. Robinson song two times. The cd movie of the concert just came in the mail and I watched it two times and I love it. I like it because you can see the funny instruments they played in some songs and I can see the singing better than when we went to the real concert because our seats weren't up too close. I think everyone should get a Simon and Garfunkel movie in the mail because they are the best singers but they only sing Mrs. Robinson one time on the cd. But it's still really good and it's my favorite thing to watch on tv. I am 6 years old and my mommy is helping me type my words.

Hello again people. I really have to stop handing out 5 star reviews this season like they were candy canes. However, if something is worthy of it - as this c.d./dvd set is - then I am justified. Simon and Garfunkel are just classic. I remember "The Sound of Silence" when it came out having such a big impact at the time. That was the season of alienation, and S & G really had their hand on the pulse.

A quick story. It was either late '66 or early '67, and I'm in school and this girl in front of me turns around and asks if anyone wanted tickets to see Simon and Garfunkel at Carnegie Hall? She had two. Gave them away "free" to me and someone else. I was way too young to go into New York City by myself. But I did anyway. Guess how much the tickets were? A whopping FIVE DOLLARS!!!! And that was alot for a concert at that time. Anyway... the concert was pure magic. Only Paul on guitar and harmonies. It was rich, lush and angelic. What can you say about a blend of vocals like this except that it is as near to perfection you can get. I have always remembered that concert as one of the best I've ever seen. I believe the c.d. "Simon and Garfunkel Live 1967" is as close to the concert that I saw.

Anyway..... when I heard they were reuniting for a concert tour, I just had to go. And, believe me, this time around the tickets were nowhere near as cheap. Still, I went to see them at The Continental Arena in N.J. on the night of December 8th, 2003 and was excited to find that they used part of that very night for the DVD. The evening was as excellent as the DVD shows, however, you viewers have the advantage of seeing them up close. It's hard to get a view like that 100 rows out or so.

This package is worth it - ten times over believe me. It is a retrospect of their career with excellent side musicians who recreate all the particulars of the original recordings and then some. S & G's mock feud bantering puts the audience in a great mood. The evening sails smoothly and the introduction of The Everly Brothers adds icing to the cake. Paying homage to their influences - S & G provide a genuine warmth to the concert.

I do want to point out one song inparticular. When they did "Bridge Over Troubled Water", Paul took the second verse. An interesting variation, but it works fine. Also, near the end, the piano goes into a strange key variation...... most noticably. I am assuming it was done to accomodate Garfunkel's ending to the song. In any event, the song was a mainpoint in a fine evening.

I could go song by song in this review but it would be a big yawn. Suffice to say - S & G are professionals and they definitely do not disappoint in this offering!!

If you are looking for classic pop music with alot of grace - an EXTREMELY HIGH recommendation for this one. Whew....that was hard. Being totally serious for a change is a difficult challenge. But Simon and Garfunkel are worth it! Goodbye for now people!

What a remarkable and honest performance! The genius of Paul Simon is so evident throughout this most welcome reunion. And Simon said it best when he declared that his songs were enhanced by Garfunkel's singing. Regardless of the rift that has existed between these two men, it is undeniable that all of our lives are much better for their having shared their lives in the past and again for the performance recorded on these discs.