Songs From The Capeman
by Paul Simon

From junodog4 06/11/2017 20:59 | #192406

Is it really that bad? It's a little muddled, but there's still enough quality here to take notice.

Why this album isn't more highly thought of is a mystery, maybe it's the ill fated Broadway production that went with it that drags it down. In my opinion it's a wonderful retro record set in late 50's new york about a puerto rican gang member known as the capeman who murders two innocent teenagers in a knife attack. Sent to jail, he becomes a born again Christian and studies for a diploma, after which he becomes a voice against gang violence. A dark subject matter and Simon doesn't hold back on the language of the protagonists either. It also features real dialogue from the period . The sounds move from Puerto Rican to doo wop to folk. Best tracks are the fifties like, quality, the sprightly, Bernadette and the beautiful but dark acoustic ballad, can i forgive him. Born in Puerto Rico, is also stunning, as is closing track, trailways bus. Simon uses a handful of guest vocalists, as well as his own, and they really add to the authenticity of the songs. A superb album that really should not to be ignored. I can't see how any Paul Simon fan cannot love this album. Brilliant.