The good ship Simon has been in troubled waters for over a decade now, with expensive flops like his Capeman musical rather dinting the living legend's reputation. Surprise should steady his artistic stock.
Production duties are taken by "sonic landscaper" Brian Eno, and the effect is very much as you might expect: drifting, eerie and warm sounds ebb and flow behind Simon's fine lyrics and pleasant melodies.
There are some good tracks here. How Can You Live In The Northeast? is rather nice, and Another Galaxy is genuinely touching in a way that no Simon song has been for some time.
Most of the songs are blandly competent, though, and as a whole Surprise is about as unexpected as morning, or shoes.
Released June 5, 2006
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article