The Complete Albums Collection

I could kick myself. Last year I replaced my entire Paul Simon collection but had I known this would have been available, it would have been the perfect way to do it. The box set contains it all--every Paul Simon album including his 1965 British "Songbook" and the live album releases as well, each with whatever "bonus" tracks have been released. You still don't get "Ten Years" or "Cuba Si!, Nixon No!" [Someday, guys?] but whew, what a setlist. So this is for the completist or someone starting out. And what a great gift set. Plus it is easy on the shelf space (or packing for traveling). The albums reminded me almost as trading cards. If the original LP album had a gatefold, it is pretty much a gatefold here although otherwise they are just slipped into cardboard sleeves. No pesky center-hold plastic devices to break your thumb on or to just break. A small packaging quibble: The back and spine-label of the box is a separate glue-on piece and has been imperfectly affixed on my copy and easily could rip or wear off. The booklet is fine, not outstanding. It consists, as advertised, of Ashley Kahn's enthusiastic (though not very revelatory) overview of Paul's career, followed by tracking and credits for the albums interspersed with postage stamp images of each album and large (well, as large as CD booklets ever get (oh for the artwork of the LP!) of various pr and music book shots of Paul's career, all fine, none that I could recollect as "never before seen." I like the magnetic catch of the box. For what it is, very recommended.

There's no false advertisement here. As of this review being written in 2014, this box set includes every single Paul Simon (solo) album released to date. If this is what you want, look no further. It's all here, all in a cool, well made box.Those who complain this isn't the complete works of Paul Simon, you are correct. A few tracks have slipped through the cracks (Slip Slidin' Away, for example) and that is because that song was never on an album. This doesn't claim to be "The Entire Paul Simon Collection". It's the albums. (though you get 99.9 percent of his work in this set)As far as the music goes, you know what to expect. There are some absolute classic albums, and some major hit songs. There are also some overlooked albums, and overlooked masterpieces. There are some great live performances. And, it must be said, there are some duds. Paul Simon's career isn't flawless, and this set includes all his less-than-stellar moments. Of course if you're buying this set you already most likely know this, and really the good outweighs the bad so, so much. (even the "meh" stuff is fun to listen to as a curio)This box set currently sits next to my Pet Sounds Sessions box, and rightfully so. Paul Simon is one of the greats. Excellent purchase.

Great packaging. Excellent sound quality. Good booklet (covers the albums well but only a relatively short essay). Awesome material (assuming you like Paul Simon). Why, oh, why, couldn't they add the original version of Slip Slidin' Away (one of Simon's very best songs) as one of the bonus tracks?!? They have a demo version of the song (which is very good) and several other bonus tracks on various albums but none as good as the original Slip Slidin' Away. I realize this was a single, but it was on Greatest Hits, Etc. (not one of the albums in the "Complete" Albums Collection) as was Stranded in a Limousine (which is included as a bonus track). Disappointing. Would have been a slam dunk for 5 stars otherwise.Added 10/27/13: Another flaw: a commenter under another review also pointed out that the liner art from the albums is not included. I didn't consider this (haven't bought a LP in years), but vaguely remember artwork, lyrics, etc. being on the liners (that's a paper protector for the LP for those who have never purchased a LP). Won't take another star off for that, but it reinforces my original rating of 4 stars instead of 5.

Bought this for my dad for his birthday. We are both massive Paul Simon fans, so it's great to have the full collection. Hours of enjoyment, and perfect for any Paul Simon fan! It's nice and compact, but you still get the feel of individual albums and get to see all the original album artwork.

Wow, he wrote and recorded a lot of nice songs besides the hits we all know! Truly a voyage of discovery, this set.

you're going to love this. It has different renditions you've never heard before. My husband and I are going around singing Paul Simon music all day now. It's a fascinating study in Paul's rise in popularity and musical sophistication--his poetry never fails to lift my spirits, it's just so good, and the music...ah, the music!

Awesome collection, lots of music, lots of extra tracks. Very nice!

Can't really provide an adequate review. This was ordered as a gift for someone who had it on their wish list.

CDs are packaged okay, though I do not understand the white border around the sleeve on these Box Sets. The Box itself is poor, with the cover being a stuck on label to the box. Never had that before - it is a great shame.Music of course is superb, but this box set, presentation wise, is not a patch on the Japanese LP/CD reproductions I picked up a while ago - some still available on Amazon and Ebay. Recently got a Blu Spec of Live Rhymin', to complete proper packaging of Simon's output.That being said, if you want an extraordinary Box set of music, from an amazing songwriter, snap up this item before it reaches megga prices.Simon's first five or so albums are superb. Hearts and Bones often seems an underrated item and some see the follow up Graceland as picking up Simon's career after the H&B slump. It's always been one of my fav's [Hearts and Bones] and introduced me to Philip Glass, so that's pretty cool. Great collaborations with Nile Rogers too.I spent a bit too much time comparing early Simon solo albums with his later output, but all have become favourites, particularly You're The One, Surprise and So Beautiful, So What.Also been enjoying The Capeman ... even though it didn't have a lengthy run on stage.There are many Live recordings around [legal and otherwise] of Simon, but Live Rhymin' and Central Park are great records of Paul Simon's live work. Urubamba and the Jesse Dixon Singers showed early indications of Simon's diverse taste in music and wish to embrace it into his own music - hence the likes of Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Uakti collaborations and some stunning Brazilian drummers from his later albums.For the music alone, if you only have a few Paul Simon albums, it really is an essential purchase and much more exciting than an MP3 download. If you don't have many gaps in your Simon collection, maybe you can complete with one or two CDs alone. Check out the wonderful LP replica items too.Andy

I already had a couple of Paul Simon's cds but at the price (less than £2 per cd) I couldn't resist this box set. As it says, it's his complete albums collection - until he releases another cd! In common with most box sets, the cds come in reproduction card sleeves and includes an informative booklet. The outer box is sturdier than most and as long as it stays clean (being white) should last a long time. All the cds are as previous releases with no remastering that I can tell nor extra tracks so for someone who just wants to have all his cds in one place at a good price this is a good buy.

What can be said about Paul Simon, this outstanding artist who has gifted us from the sixties with his wonderful songs. For me the world without this remarkable mans outstanding work would be a less interesting place. When you listen to each album your reminded of his gift to us and this mans amazing legacy. Even the odd weaker songs are outstanding. This was a must buy for me and I would recommend to anyone who has been influenced by this incredible man.

Almost as advertised, all the Paul Simon solo albums: the 70s classics, the exotic rhythms of the 80s, the second concert in Central Park, a few mis-steps perhaps in the '00s, but back in stride with So Beautiful or So What. Nice album cover reproductions and booklet. If I could, I would give this box 4.5 stars for three reasons: 1. the late 70s hit "Slip Sliding Away", a non-album track, is only included as an alternate version bonus track, and 2. although Garfunkel is featured on one track, this is basically the non-Garfunkel box, which should be a companion piece to the Simon and Garfunkel (60s) box, but, as such, it skips over the Concert in Central Park; 3. the box was released prior to his latest album, Stranger to Stranger, which is not included. Having said this, it's a good collection of most of the solo releases, and certainly reasonable at under $50.

This is simply an awesome collection of music from one of the finest singer/songwriters there is. Album after album there is just so much to enjoy, plus loads of bonus unreleased before tracks, demo's, live, etc. Simon's guitar playing is sublime as his voice making this one box set that is totally unmissable, save your pennies or get it on that Christmas list.