Continuing my look at 1975, first by counting down my own top albums of that year.
#4 – Paul Simon – Still Crazy After All These Years
Paul Simon’s fourth solo album, and third since the breakup of Simon & Garfunkel, was the highpoint of the 15 years following the duo’s split.
Coming on the heels of 1973’s excellent There Goes Rhymin’ Simon, Still Crazy gave Simon his first (and only) #1 album as a soloist and produced two of his most enduring classics: the title track and ’50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.’
The album’s deep cuts are just as good. My personal favorite is the soulful ‘Some Folks Lives Roll Easy,’ but I could easily make a case for ‘Gone at Last’ (a gospel piano romp featuring guest vocalist Phoebe Snow), ‘You’re Kind,’ or ‘My Little Town’ (on which Simon & Garfunkel reunited for the first time).
Simon fell into a bit of a rut in the decade following this album, releasing the disappointing One-Trick Pony and under-appreciated Hearts and Bones. Then came 1986’s Graceland, one of the greatest albums of all time, ushering in his world music era.
I love every Paul Simon era — the folk rock 60s, pop rock 70s, and worldbeat 80s and beyond — but I think Still Crazy After All These Years might be the best distillation of his unique sensibility. This album sounds like an old friend stopping by for a much-appreciated visit.
Snow was falling, drifts were high
And I was weary from my driving
And I stopped to rest for a while
I sat down at a truck stop
I was thinking about my past
I’ve had a long streak of that bad luck
But I’m praying it’s gone at last
[Chorus]
Gone at last, gone at last
Gone at last, gone at last
I’ve had a long streak of that bad luck
But I pray it’s gone at last
I ain’t dumb, I kicked around some
I don’t fall too easily
But that boy looked so dejected
He just grabbed my sympathy
Sweet little soul now, what’s your problem?
Tell me why you’re so downcast
I’ve had a long streak of bad luck
But I’m praying it’s gone at last
[Chorus]
Gone at last, gone at last
Gone at last, gone at last
I’ve had a long streak of bad luck
But I pray it’s gone at last
Once in a while, from out of nowhere
When you don’t expect it and you’re unprepared
Somebody will come and lift you higher
And your burdens will be shared
Yes I do believe if I hadn’t met you
I might still be sinking fast
I’ve had a long streak of bad luck
But I’m praying it’s gone at last
[Chorus]
Gone at last, gone at last
Gone at last, gone at last
I’ve had a long streak of that bad luck
But I pray it’s gone at last
Meet Me In Montauk 
1975 is shaping up to be a fine year in your decades series.
Paul Simon was definitely a favorite in our home during the 70’s and to this day we still love his music.
Remember listening to this album during the late 70s and loving it.