Live 1969 cover

Live 1969

Simon & Garfunkel · 2009

59 min · 17 tracks · folk rock

A vibrant acoustic tapestry interwoven with harmonies, capturing the essence of a transformative era in American music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Mrs. Robinson — This track not only became a defining song for Simon & Garfunkel but also served as an anthem for a generation, capturing themes of disillusionment and nostalgia.
  • →
    Bridge Over Troubled Water — The emotional depth and powerful delivery of this song showcase the duo's ability to convey vulnerability and hope amidst societal upheaval, making it a timeless classic.
  • →
    The Sound of Silence — This performance encapsulates the haunting beauty of the duo's harmonies and poignant lyrics, resonating with listeners as a commentary on isolation and communication.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album captures the essence of Simon & Garfunkel's live performances, showcasing their songwriting and harmonies effectively.

What we noticed

  • Several songs are extended with instrumental interludes, allowing for a more immersive live experience.
  • The running order alternates between upbeat and introspective songs, creating a dynamic flow that reflects the energy of a live performance.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • late-night contemplative moods
  • layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2009, 'Live 1969' arrives decades after Simon & Garfunkel's initial breakup in 1970 and serves as a retrospective of their early performances. This album showcases their evolution from folk duo to pop icons, highlighting their enduring legacy and impact on the music landscape during a politically charged era.
Stylistic neighbors
The Byrds· James Taylor· Buffy Sainte-Marie

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Homeward Bound 3:04
  • 2 At the Zoo 2:07
  • 3 The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) 1:56
  • 4 Song for the Asking 2:28
  • 5 For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her 2:37
  • 6 Scarborough Fair / Canticle 3:56
  • 7 Mrs. Robinson 4:44
  • 8 The Boxer 4:46
  • 9 Why Don’t You Write Me 2:56
  • 10 So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright 3:55
  • 11 That Silver‐Haired Daddy of Mine 3:11
  • 12 Bridge Over Troubled Water 5:25
  • 13 The Sound of Silence 3:52
  • 14 I Am a Rock 3:36
  • 15 Old Friends / Bookends Theme 3:22
  • 16 Leaves That Are Green 3:23
  • 17 Kathy’s Song 3:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata