Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
-
- Posts: 821
- Joined: 05 Jul 2017, 23:05
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
I think Paul Simon speaks to me more. I love Brian Wilson's work but I do sort of recognise its genius without really being emotionally involved in many cases.
- Charlie O.
- Posts: 39950
- Joined: 21 Jul 2003, 19:53
- Location: In-A-Badda-La-Wadda, bay-beh
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
Wilson. I could echo much of what's already been said.
Instead, I will say this much for Paulie:
a) although it's been 28 years since the last PS album that really satisfied me (The Rhythm Of The Saints), I'd still be more curious to hear what he's up to now than to hear Brian's latest; and
b) if Brian Wilson and Paul Simon were both playing in town, on the same night but in different venues, and if somebody were to offer me free tickets to see either one, I'd choose Simon (unless Wilson was doing Smile again - I missed that tour). I have seen and enjoyed both - several times, in Brian's case - and they both have terrific bands and, duh, terrific songs. But Simon seems like he actually enjoys being on stage; with Brian I invariably get the uneasy feeling that he's only there because his wife and his manager have told him that he needs to confront his demons.
Instead, I will say this much for Paulie:
a) although it's been 28 years since the last PS album that really satisfied me (The Rhythm Of The Saints), I'd still be more curious to hear what he's up to now than to hear Brian's latest; and
b) if Brian Wilson and Paul Simon were both playing in town, on the same night but in different venues, and if somebody were to offer me free tickets to see either one, I'd choose Simon (unless Wilson was doing Smile again - I missed that tour). I have seen and enjoyed both - several times, in Brian's case - and they both have terrific bands and, duh, terrific songs. But Simon seems like he actually enjoys being on stage; with Brian I invariably get the uneasy feeling that he's only there because his wife and his manager have told him that he needs to confront his demons.

-
- Posts: 63921
- Joined: 03 Jun 2004, 20:12
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
Rayge wrote:Not much in it as far as songwriting goes, although Paul is obviously a better lyricist (did Brian ever write a {good} lyric?), but Brian wins hands down as a producer/arranger/studio bod, and as a performer. Not that it's relevant, but I also get the impression he's a nicer guy.
I also think it's a East Coast/West Coast thing. Simon fills up his songs with lyrics, as if he's in a hurry. Wilson's approach to songwriting and lyrics is much more laid back. He gets to the point quicker.
Bruh.
Ask Diamond Dog how much he enjoys that west coast vibe when we're ordering food at an LA Jolly Up? Maybe I read the situation completely wrong, but the slow pace of getting around to the subject after someone mentioned getting food was completely natural to me. But the polite tension on Pete's face as ordering completely stalled, was priceless.
Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk!
- slightbreeze
- Can I Get To Widnes?
- Posts: 9907
- Joined: 03 Sep 2003, 20:07
- Location: facing the computer
- Contact:
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
Wilson for the music, Simon for the lyrics
- Diamond Dog
- "Self Quoter" Extraordinaire.
- Posts: 67762
- Joined: 16 Jul 2003, 21:04
- Location: High On Poachers Hill
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
sloopjohnc wrote:Ask Diamond Dog how much he enjoys that west coast vibe when we're ordering food at an LA Jolly Up? Maybe I read the situation completely wrong, but the slow pace of getting around to the subject after someone mentioned getting food was completely natural to me. But the polite tension on Pete's face as ordering completely stalled, was priceless.
"Stalled" massively overstates the progress being made... "catatonic inaction" is much closer to the truth.
"Excuse my dust."
"It put me back in my place and made me realize, yes I'm just a cunt in a clown suit."
"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here"
"It put me back in my place and made me realize, yes I'm just a cunt in a clown suit."
"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here"
- Muskrat
- World's Foremost Authority
- Posts: 21004
- Joined: 17 Jul 2003, 01:05
- Location: Next to the park; across the street from the college; and the freeway at my back
- Contact:
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
Still thinking it over...
Things that a fella can't forget...
Mike Boom wrote:It is brilliant of course, probably the best of the complete Thick as a Brick boots.
- toomanyhatz
- Power-mad king of the WCC
- Posts: 27731
- Joined: 07 Apr 2005, 00:01
- Location: Just east of where Charlie Parker went to do some relaxin'
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
As I do with these comparisons these days:
Good Simon vs. Good Wilson - WIlson (nowhere near close)
Average SImon vs. Average Wilson - WIlson (but pretty close)
Bad Simon vs. Bad Wilson - Simon (there's not that much bad Simon, but he rarely is truly embarrassingly bad, which can't be said for Wilson)
The gap on the first is so huge that it's Wilson a million times over, however.
Good Simon vs. Good Wilson - WIlson (nowhere near close)
Average SImon vs. Average Wilson - WIlson (but pretty close)
Bad Simon vs. Bad Wilson - Simon (there's not that much bad Simon, but he rarely is truly embarrassingly bad, which can't be said for Wilson)
The gap on the first is so huge that it's Wilson a million times over, however.
Jimbo wrote:My point is to save the world from WWIII.
Jimbo wrote:Trump is right. The collusion conspiracy theory has been debunked and you seem to refuse to look at the evidence.
1959 1963 1965 1966 1974 1977 1978 1981 1988 2017 2018!!
- toomanyhatz
- Power-mad king of the WCC
- Posts: 27731
- Joined: 07 Apr 2005, 00:01
- Location: Just east of where Charlie Parker went to do some relaxin'
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
Also, Wilson was the better collaborator of the two, and he had to work with effin' Mike Love. Simon had Garfunkel, and didn't do as well.
Jimbo wrote:My point is to save the world from WWIII.
Jimbo wrote:Trump is right. The collusion conspiracy theory has been debunked and you seem to refuse to look at the evidence.
1959 1963 1965 1966 1974 1977 1978 1981 1988 2017 2018!!
- Muskrat
- World's Foremost Authority
- Posts: 21004
- Joined: 17 Jul 2003, 01:05
- Location: Next to the park; across the street from the college; and the freeway at my back
- Contact:
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
toomanyhatz wrote: Simon had Garfunkel...
Not as a writer, thank God.
Things that a fella can't forget...
Mike Boom wrote:It is brilliant of course, probably the best of the complete Thick as a Brick boots.
-
- Posts: 2966
- Joined: 22 Jul 2014, 21:38
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
Muskrat wrote:toomanyhatz wrote: Simon had Garfunkel...
Not as a writer, thank God.
"You people think I'm wordy!"

- Charlie O.
- Posts: 39950
- Joined: 21 Jul 2003, 19:53
- Location: In-A-Badda-La-Wadda, bay-beh
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
Diamond Dog wrote:sloopjohnc wrote:Ask Diamond Dog how much he enjoys that west coast vibe when we're ordering food at an LA Jolly Up? Maybe I read the situation completely wrong, but the slow pace of getting around to the subject after someone mentioned getting food was completely natural to me. But the polite tension on Pete's face as ordering completely stalled, was priceless.
"Stalled" massively overstates the progress being made... "catatonic inaction" is much closer to the truth.
Muskrat wrote:Still thinking it over...


- Purgatory Brite
- Posts: 2392
- Joined: 22 Feb 2015, 11:31
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
Paul Simon. A judgement based on personal taste rather than any evaluation of his artistic merits. I've followed him since his One-Trick Pony album.
As for Brian Wilson, I've only developed an appreciation for the music of the Beach Boys in the last 3 or 4 years. Before that I rather dismissed them as being music for the "Mojo demographic".
As for Brian Wilson, I've only developed an appreciation for the music of the Beach Boys in the last 3 or 4 years. Before that I rather dismissed them as being music for the "Mojo demographic".
- Moleskin
- Posts: 14590
- Joined: 18 Feb 2004, 12:38
- Location: We began to notice that we could be free, And we moved together to the West.
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
Paul Simon is more likely to record a decent LP; in 2018, and most of the last thirty years, Smile and That Lucky Old Sun possibly excluded.
@hewsim
-the artist formerly known as comrade moleskin-
-the unforgettable waldo jeffers-
Jug Band Music
my own music
-the artist formerly known as comrade moleskin-
-the unforgettable waldo jeffers-
Jug Band Music
my own music
-
- Posts: 63921
- Joined: 03 Jun 2004, 20:12
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
Diamond Dog wrote:sloopjohnc wrote:Ask Diamond Dog how much he enjoys that west coast vibe when we're ordering food at an LA Jolly Up? Maybe I read the situation completely wrong, but the slow pace of getting around to the subject after someone mentioned getting food was completely natural to me. But the polite tension on Pete's face as ordering completely stalled, was priceless.
"Stalled" massively overstates the progress being made... "catatonic inaction" is much closer to the truth.

Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk!
- The Modernist
- 2018 BCB Cup Champ!
- Posts: 13152
- Joined: 13 Apr 2014, 20:42
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
Goat Boy wrote:Brian by miles. It’s not even close for me
Ditto
- clive gash
- wannabee enfant terrible
- Posts: 17142
- Joined: 29 Sep 2007, 00:32
- Location: down the rabbit hole
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
Naturally it’s Brian, the idea that he’s a laid back fellow is fucking insane.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
Diamond Dog wrote:...yet it quite clearly hit the target with you and your nonce, didn't it?
- Quaco
- F R double E
- Posts: 47120
- Joined: 16 Jul 2003, 19:41
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
Roger Christian wrote the words to "Don't Worry Baby" didn't he?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- Diamond Dog
- "Self Quoter" Extraordinaire.
- Posts: 67762
- Joined: 16 Jul 2003, 21:04
- Location: High On Poachers Hill
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
Simon 13 Wilson 16....
Closer than I anticipated.
I would sum up my feelings thus - for me, Paul Simon created some of the greatest music of the 60's but pretty much all of his solo career I can pretty much gladly avoid. There's certainly nothing comes close to the highs of "Emily...Kathy's... America...Song For The Asking...Only Living Boy etc etc". But Brian Wilson wrote one of my very favourite albums in "Pet Sounds" and, for that alone, he's a visionary in a way Simon never was. However, with the odd exception, I struggle with most of the rest of his catalogue... I'm not a Beach Boys fan, in any way. In fact, I'd say "Pet Sounds" is an outlier in their (and Wilson's) catalogue.
So I'm still undecided - I realise Wilson was the visionary, but there is much more of Simon's output I like.
Closer than I anticipated.
I would sum up my feelings thus - for me, Paul Simon created some of the greatest music of the 60's but pretty much all of his solo career I can pretty much gladly avoid. There's certainly nothing comes close to the highs of "Emily...Kathy's... America...Song For The Asking...Only Living Boy etc etc". But Brian Wilson wrote one of my very favourite albums in "Pet Sounds" and, for that alone, he's a visionary in a way Simon never was. However, with the odd exception, I struggle with most of the rest of his catalogue... I'm not a Beach Boys fan, in any way. In fact, I'd say "Pet Sounds" is an outlier in their (and Wilson's) catalogue.
So I'm still undecided - I realise Wilson was the visionary, but there is much more of Simon's output I like.
"Excuse my dust."
"It put me back in my place and made me realize, yes I'm just a cunt in a clown suit."
"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here"
"It put me back in my place and made me realize, yes I'm just a cunt in a clown suit."
"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here"
- Footy
- Filler
- Posts: 13678
- Joined: 17 Jul 2003, 11:57
- Location: Lost in the supermarket
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
There was a time - before everyone wore ear/headphones - when on sunny days like today, people would play generic reggae or the Beach Boys loudly in their back yards. For me, though, it would be S&G or Paul Simon - music I, personally, find a great accompaniment to the warm sunshine.
Back in the 60s or early 70s, I can't imagine ever wasting the hours in the darkness late at night listening to the Beach Boys as I did to S&G.
Unfortunately, the Beach Boys never clicked for me and they remain a group that I actually dislike even having tried over the years to get them for fear of missing out. My loss, I'm sure. Of course, I acknowledge that Brian Wilson has been responsible for some truly great songs but my prejudice against his band prevents me from enjoying those in the way I perhaps should.
Paul Simon on the other hand, has always spoken to me in a way that I understand; from the lyrics of great love songs to the humour in the more lightweight stuff, always enjoying the tunes, the singing and the playing. I like the solo stuff a lot....the last one I bought was last year's effort and although I haven't listened to it for a few months, it'll be going in the car this afternoon thanks to this thread.
Back in the 60s or early 70s, I can't imagine ever wasting the hours in the darkness late at night listening to the Beach Boys as I did to S&G.
Unfortunately, the Beach Boys never clicked for me and they remain a group that I actually dislike even having tried over the years to get them for fear of missing out. My loss, I'm sure. Of course, I acknowledge that Brian Wilson has been responsible for some truly great songs but my prejudice against his band prevents me from enjoying those in the way I perhaps should.
Paul Simon on the other hand, has always spoken to me in a way that I understand; from the lyrics of great love songs to the humour in the more lightweight stuff, always enjoying the tunes, the singing and the playing. I like the solo stuff a lot....the last one I bought was last year's effort and although I haven't listened to it for a few months, it'll be going in the car this afternoon thanks to this thread.
Grab your coat sweetheart....I've got a knife.
- NMB
- Posts: 4728
- Joined: 22 Jun 2005, 20:46
- Location: Darkest Surrey
Re: Paul Simon or Brian Wilson?
I just thought The Only Living Boy In New York and voted Simon.
turn on, tune in, nod off