Paul Simon Hearts Bones

The title makes plain the intention of Paul Simon on this 2011 double-disc set: the focus is not on the hits but the songs, to the extent that his most famous song is not performed either by him solo or with Art Garfunkel, it is sung by Aretha Franklin, a selection that suggests this compilation will be more idiosyncratic than it is. Many of the songs that are Simon’s solo staples - “Mother and Child Reunion,” “Kodachrome,” “American Tune,” “Late in the Evening,” “Still Crazy After All These Years,” “Graceland,” “The Boy in the Bubble” - are here, enough to almost camouflage the big songs that are missing in action, including “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” “Duncan,” “Slip Slidin’ Away,” and “You Can Call Me Al.” All these are casualties of a concept that allows for Simon to spend the entirety of the second disc on albums released since 1990…

Aurora Orchestra, together with conductor Nicholas Collon, is an innovative, energetic and talented ensemble. It has already amassed a good amount of praise from the critics, quickly establishing itself as the most significant new British chamber orchestra in a generation. Collon by himself is also making waves, increasingly in demand as a guest conductor in the UK and abroad. This album features a straightforwardly American repertoire selection, interspersing the core repertoire with some beautifully arranged folk/pop songs inspired by the theme.