American Tunes: Songs By Paul Simon / Various American Tunes: Songs By Paul Simon / Various CD

UK collection. Ace's Songwriters series continues to be one of our most popular, with plenty of worthy candidates for inclusion waiting in the wings to join those we have already featured. This month we spotlight the work of a man whose songs and records have been enjoyed across seven decades. Paul Simon's compelling songs have been subject to covers since the mid-60s, when he and his singing partner Art Garfunkel made their own big breakthrough as artists with "Sounds Of Silence". American Tunes features almost two dozen of Paul's prime compositions, reinterpreted in all manner of styles from rock to reggae to acapella to adult contemporary. All have been chosen to represent the diversity in Paul's writing, and also chosen because of the high quality of each individual reinterpretation. Some tracks may be less familiar than others, but all are guaranteed to appeal to fans of Simon songs everywhere. Some of the biggest names in popular music from the past 70 years are among those singing said songs - a true indication of the high regard in which his words and music are held in his peer group. Approved by the songwriter himself, Ace is delighted to say that American Tunes has been assembled with the co-operation of and with significant input from Paul Simon. As always, extensive annotation and copious photographs and ephemera make the booklet almost as appealing as the music.

1. I Am A Rock - The Hollies 2. Homeward Bound - Cher 3. The Fifty Ninth Street Bridge Song - Harpers Bizarre 4. You Don't Know Where Your Interest Lies - Dana Valery 5. Leaves That Are Green - Dorris Henderson/John Renbourn 6. Blessed - The Tremeloes 7. The Boxer - Emmylou Harris 8. Keep The Customer Satisfied - Marsha Hunt 9. A Hazy Shade Of Winter - The Bangles 10. Bridge Over Troubled Water (Single Version) - Aretha Franklin 11. The Sound Of Silence - Peaches And Herb 12. The Only Living Boy In New York (Weather Report) - The Tennors 13. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover - Rosemary Clooney 14. Mother And Child Reunion - The Intruders 15. Cecilia - Smokey Robinson And The Miracles 16. Richard Cory - The Heptones 17. Something So Right - Annie Lennox (Featuring Paul Simon) 18. Loves Me Like A Rock - The Persuasions 19. Take Me To The Mardi Gras - Johnnie And Floyd Taylor 20. The Boy In The Bubble - Patti Smith 21. Long, Long Day - Rumer 22. Graceland - Willie Nelson 23. American Tune - Shawn Colvin