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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Controversial Opinion - Simon and Garfunkle

158 replies

Magenta82 · 07/04/2023 07:49

I've long harboured this opinion and so far the people I've voiced it to have been split so I thought I would throw it out to you lovely ladies.

Paul Simon is a genius, his songs and music are amazing, however, pretty much every cover version is better than the original that was sung by Simon and Garfunkle.

So Mumsnet, AIBU?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
JaneFondue · 07/04/2023 07:49

Bite your tongue!

Waitingformay · 07/04/2023 07:50

Any examples?

Slitherie · 07/04/2023 07:52

YANBU

The Sound Of Silence by Disturbed is an absolute masterpiece … I listen to it all the time and when I hear the original it sounds like a karaoke version … no emotion or feeling in it at all

GilbertNo4 · 07/04/2023 07:53

I like Disturbed's version of Sound of Silence. Not necessarily better, just different. That's the only one I can think of.

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 07/04/2023 07:55

Dearie me.

Now, if you'd been talking about Bob Dylan, I might have had to agree. One of the greatest songwriters ever, but so many of his songs have been performed better by other people, and there are hundreds and hundreds of Dylan covers to choose from. All Along the Watchtower is the obvious one - the Jimi Hendrix version reigns supreme.

Original poster
Magenta82 · 07/04/2023 07:56

Disturbed version of sound of silence.
The Lemonhead's Mrs Robinson
Mudford and Sons the Boxer
Various versions of Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Hell I'd even go as far as to say the Suggs version of Cecelia is better...

OP posts:
Crumpetdisappointment · 07/04/2023 07:56

i only know Disturbed Sound of Silence which is Great

Original poster
Magenta82 · 07/04/2023 07:59

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 07/04/2023 07:55

Dearie me.

Now, if you'd been talking about Bob Dylan, I might have had to agree. One of the greatest songwriters ever, but so many of his songs have been performed better by other people, and there are hundreds and hundreds of Dylan covers to choose from. All Along the Watchtower is the obvious one - the Jimi Hendrix version reigns supreme.

That is an amazing version, I agree with you on Bob Dylan as well.

OP posts:
RattlewhenIwalk · 07/04/2023 08:01

Together they are S&G and their sound is unique (I'm a fan...)

Paul Simon's own material is great but different and I love that too. Without Art Garfunkel their S&G isn't quite the same, a little bit lacking - he really does contribute something individual.

So, yes, OP, you are BU!

Samcro · 07/04/2023 08:01

Slitherie · 07/04/2023 07:52

YANBU

The Sound Of Silence by Disturbed is an absolute masterpiece … I listen to it all the time and when I hear the original it sounds like a karaoke version … no emotion or feeling in it at all

love that cover

Changingplace · 07/04/2023 08:01

Disturber’s sound of silence is amazing.

I find Simon & Garfunkle in general a bit irritating, too whiny, not really my thing at all.

CoalCraft · 07/04/2023 08:01

Definitely agree re. Bob Dylan. Simon and Garfunkel I'm on the fence. Most of the time I think the original and the cover are both good.

Strugglingtodomybest · 07/04/2023 08:03

Sugg's version of Cecilia is sooo bad it ruined the original for me too.

Highlyflavouredgravy · 07/04/2023 08:05

You are quite, quite wrong .
So wrong in fact that it hurts my brain.

nomoremerlot · 07/04/2023 08:06

Slitherie · 07/04/2023 07:52

YANBU

The Sound Of Silence by Disturbed is an absolute masterpiece … I listen to it all the time and when I hear the original it sounds like a karaoke version … no emotion or feeling in it at all

Just listened to it for the first time, its ace 👍!

Thank you

Hobbes8 · 07/04/2023 08:07

I haven’t heard a version on bridge over troubled water that I like as much as the original. It’s the weakest cover on Johnny Cash’s awesome cover versions album.

coloursquare · 07/04/2023 08:07

Completely wrong. Even more wrong about Bob Dylan!

Tinkeytonkoldfruit · 07/04/2023 08:08

Nope Simon and Garfunkel are amazing and I won't hear any of this nonsense! Their harmonies are just beautiful.

StopFeckingFaffing · 07/04/2023 08:09

There have been some good covers which isn't surprising with such wonderful songs but I love the classic and distinctive sound of S&G singing so I can't agree with you.

hels71 · 07/04/2023 08:12

Love Simon and Garfunkle. Listen to them lots! Really can't be doing with cover versions!

danceyourselfdizzy1 · 07/04/2023 08:14

I loved the Lemonheads but no way their version is better.

HeddaGarbled · 07/04/2023 08:14

Nope. The harmony of the two voices is something special. And that Disturbed version turns the original into a ten-a-penny power ballad.

Clementineorsatsuma · 07/04/2023 08:15

Their harmonies and lyrics are beyond compare.
"I kissed her honey hair with my grateful tear"
Covers are fine, just different

NoSquirrels · 07/04/2023 08:15

I’m not a purist, I like various cover versions of S&G songs but YABVU indeed to say this

Various versions of Bridge Over Troubled Waters

I honestly don’t think anyone could improve the original.