Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 50 Greatest Live Albums of All Time, representing a varied cross-section of genres, styles and time periods. Click “Next Album” below to explore each album or view the full album index here.
SIMON & GARFUNKEL | The Concert in Central Park
Warner Bros. (1982)
Selected by Justin Chadwick
When these two “Old Friends” joined each other on stage the evening of September 19, 1981, more than ten years had passed since they parted ways professionally, not too long after the smash success of their fifth and final studio LP Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970). Much to the delight of the 500,000-strong throng of fans that packed Central Park’s Great Lawn that night, the notoriously combative twosome placed their respective egos sufficiently aside for a few hours to deliver a veritable greatest hits performance. Select proceeds from the Queens-bred duo’s benefit concert generated funds to bolster the restoration and ongoing upkeep of Manhattan’s iconic green space, which had suffered financially during the preceding years.
Admittedly, lingering tension between the pair was still palpable, as best evidenced by Garfunkel’s snarky segue as he introduced his solo single “A Heart in New York” midway through the set. “This is a song that comes from a new album of mine, which is almost the only song in the show that is not a Paul Simon tune,” Garfunkel quipped.
Overall though, Simon and Garfunkel played nice and pulled off a reunion show for the ages. Sonic flourishes added nuanced dimensions to classic fare like “Mrs. Robinson” and “America,” as well as Simon’s solo staples “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” and “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.” But the star of the show—as had always been the case during their 15-year recording career—remained the duo’s warm vocal harmonies and compelling narratives.
A heart does indeed live in New York City, and Simon & Garfunkel ensured that its beat was heard loud and clear that September evening, and for many years to come.