Klausi
Aug-09-2005, 20:13 GMT
IP:
Germany
 | Thank you too, it was interesting, though logical, that S&G, when in New York and still signed to Columbia, made those two (but one must really say "experimental" and not enduring) folk-rock-tapes, it also was with Tom Wilson.
Can`t say, when "Chez" was taped.
I read that the SOS-session was with the musicians Tom Wilson had "on hand" at that time, and those were the ones who recorded with Bob Dylan.
I also believe that he did it, because he really had demands from a radio station in the weeks before, some say Florida, some Boston. I trust in Simon, who said Florida. Just doing it at his own risk and wasting expensive time with the musicians of the famous Dylan makes no sense.
Of course there is no reason why Wilson should not have given a copy to Garfunkel in New York, and send another to Simon, whether as tape or however.
I think in the case of SOS a "release-date" is different from already famous stars. I guess the tape was handed from disk-jockeys to promoters and back, probably without a "B-side" and the demand grew to such a degree that copies were made with a B-side, because a single is a short living thing and has to be in store when people want it.
The charts in the US by the way were not only based on sales, but also on airplay. The people, who decided, what song will be played, are very mighty! A hit without airplay is not possible. And listeners switch on the best stations, all is a private business. And very profitable, but fast and risky too. Somehow it is a pity and somehow good; how many hits come unexpectedly and how many flops too.
When Tom Wilson died, Simon said : "I might still be playing folk-clubs in England if it weren`t for Tom Wilson". I don`t think so, I think, he would have "made it", but maybe alone.
This also explains, that the rest of the SOS album (produced by Bob Johnston) was already recorded in December and contained virtually no new song, even the two songs with Tom Wilson were included to cash is as early and much as possible.
Rock was an even shorter living thing in those days than today and Nobody expected the Beatles, the Stones or Paul Simon having hits 5 years later. |
