Wrestling with Paul Simon

In his first album in 6 years, Paul Simon offers no classics, but offers fewer duds than on 2000's You're The One. But without the presence of Brian Eno, it would be neglible. Simon, like many of his peers- Sting and John Mellencamp have forgotten how to write hit songs. Now Simon, and they make albums for themselves. Getting rich and complaining that radio won't play you anymore will do this to you. This wasn't always the case. When these guys rode Top 40, they would make sure their albums had at least one song worth buying as a single. Even when the album wasn't worth it. Graceland at least included a throwaway in "You Can Call Me Al". Now Simon throws in "Outrageous", just as he did on his previous one with
"Old". Quick songs with quick hooks made to show that he could still whip out a 3 minute confection if he wanted. But neither of those is worth a compilation. The best moments on Surprise are at the front end of the album, when Eno pushes the music and Simon offers laments on this crazy life. But I keep buying albums by my heroes, because I keep hoping for some of that old spark. Surprise doesn't offer much of it, but parts of it stick with me. And damn if it's not the most frustrating album by an old hitmaker in some time.