Paul Simon – Greatest Hits, Etc.

Paul Simon – Greatest Hits, Etc.

Greatest Hits, Etc. is Paul Simon’s first solo compilation, originally released by Columbia Records in November 1977. Bringing together material from the first six years of his solo career, the collection covers the period from his 1972 self-titled debut through to 1977, combining major singles, album favourites, two live performances and two tracks that were new to the compilation. The recordings span 1971–1977, making it a useful overview of Simon’s development as a solo artist following the end of Simon & Garfunkel.

The album opens with the newly recorded “Slip Slidin' Away”, one of Simon’s most enduring solo songs and a US Top 5 hit in 1977, followed by the funky and jazz-influenced “Stranded In A Limousine”. Both songs were new recordings for Greatest Hits, Etc., with “Slip Slidin' Away” featuring backing vocals from The Oak Ridge Boys.

Elsewhere, the compilation draws from Simon’s acclaimed early solo albums, including “Still Crazy After All These Years”, “Have A Good Time”, “Duncan”, “Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard”, “Something So Right”, “Kodachrome”, “I Do It For Your Love” and “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover”. “Duncan” and “American Tune” are presented as live recordings, adding a different dimension to an otherwise studio-based collection.

The closing run of “Mother And Child Reunion”, “Loves Me Like A Rock” and “Take Me To The Mardi Gras” further demonstrates the breadth of Simon’s songwriting, drawing on rock, folk, pop, gospel, Caribbean and New Orleans influences. Greatest Hits, Etc. reached No. 3 in the UK Albums Chart and No. 18 on the US Billboard album chart, making it a successful snapshot of one of the defining American singer-songwriters of the 1970s.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Slip Slidin' Away – 4:43
2. Stranded In A Limousine – 3:09
3. Still Crazy After All These Years – 3:24
4. Have A Good Time – 3:25
5. Duncan – 5:03
6. Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard – 2:45
7. Something So Right – 4:34

Side B

1. Kodachrome® – 3:32
2. I Do It For Your Love – 3:35
3. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover – 3:33
4. American Tune – 4:09
5. Mother And Child Reunion – 2:50
6. Loves Me Like A Rock – 3:28
7. Take Me To The Mardi Gras – 3:28