Paul Simon: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song (TV Special 2007)

Paul Simon: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song (TV Special 2007). 1h 45m | Not Rated

“I saw only about 10 – 15 minutes of this. I came in near the beginning of Alison Krauss doing u0026quot;The Boxeru0026quot;. My first thought was: u0026quot;Oh, no! Not a bluegrass version; what will they think of nextu0026quot;. I stayed with it, though, and was heartily rewarded. In retrospect, bluegrass is a good choice for u0026quot;The Boxeru0026quot;, and Krauss delivered. In particular, Kraussu0026#39; fiddle during the bridge was very moving. My only complaint was that the song was done as a duet. The harmonies were beautiful but the singer in u0026quot;The Boxeru0026quot; is supposed to be so very lonely, and the second voice seems contrary to that theme. Thatu0026#39;s a very minor point, though.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eNext came Lyle Lovett doing u0026quot;50 Ways to Leave Your Lover u0026quot;. Wow, what a horrible programming choice! Lovett did a great job, but the manipulation, deceit, and superficial emotions that are at the heart of u0026quot;50 Ways .. u0026quot; left me feeling disgusted. I remember when u0026quot;50 Ways … u0026quot; first came out. It was hip, slick – seemed really sophisticated and clever. Coming right after u0026quot;The Boxeru0026quot;, though, made it seem juvenile and prurient.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eJames Taylor and the Dixie Hummingbirds restored the mood with a genuine-sounding u0026quot;Slip Slidinu0026#39; Awayu0026quot;. Great stuff! I really enjoy seeing talented performers working together – just thinking of how much they must be enjoying themselves makes my enjoyment all the greater.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI definitely will watch this all the way through, and probably increase my score – except this time Iu0026#39;ll FF through u0026quot;50 Ways … u0026quot;!”