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Miracle and Wonder
- Conversations with Paul Simon
- Narrated by: Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam, Paul Simon
- Length: 5 hrs and 6 mins
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Miracle and Wonder
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Summary
*For a more up-to-date version check out Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon (Special Edition)
What happens when Paul Simon, widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in music history, and Malcolm Gladwell, the best-selling author, sit down together, with a tape recorder and a guitar?
Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon is part memoir, part investigation, and unlike any creative portrait you’ve ever heard before. Recorded over a series of 30 hours of conversation between Simon, Gladwell, and Gladwell’s oldest friend and co-writer, journalist and Broken Record podcast co-host Bruce Headlam, the conversation flows from Simon’s music, to his childhood in Queens, NY, to his frequent collaborators including Art Garfunkel and the nature of creativity itself. Gladwell and Headlam traveled from the mountains of Hawaii to Simon’s own backyard studio to record an artist they’ve idolized since childhood.
Woven throughout the audiobook is distinctive commentary about Simon’s songwriting alongside archival audio footage and never-before-heard live studio versions and original recordings of beloved hits including “The Boxer", “The Sound of Silence", and “Graceland”. Between conversations, Gladwell deploys his signature blend of historical research and social science in an attempt to understand how a boy from 1940s Queens conjured near-perfect songs over an incredible 65-year career. Along the way, he gathers reflections on Simon’s particular genius from the likes of Sting, Herbie Hancock, Renee Fleming, Jeff Tweedy, Aaron Lindsey, and Roseanne Cash.
The result is an intimate audio biography of one of America’s most popular songwriters. Brimming with music and conversation, Miracle and Wonder is a window into Simon’s legendary career, what it means to be alive as an artist, and how to create work that endures.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 27-02-23
Fantastic
For all music lovers! It’s spine tingling to hear the genius Paul Simon discuss his fascinating music back catalogue in-depth. An audio book that gives you goosebumps over and over.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mark@leefie
- 09-10-23
Like a whole new art form
This & the Bono book redefine the medium and create a new genre of music telling.
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- Peter
- 01-10-23
Brilliant
An amazing audiobook. Relaxed conversations and analysis of selected songs/albums from the man himself with snippets of PS singing songs with just his guitar for accompaniment. For all the PS fans this is a gem and demonstrates the beauty and entertainment of the audio book. Definitely a must to have.
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- Anonymous User
- 05-01-22
Pure entertainment
I'm a fan of Simon & Garfunkel's music, Malcolm Gladwell's books, music reviews and podcasts, so I really enjoyed. I listened on a bike ride - music and insights were brilliant. I don't know so much of Paul Simon's later music so didn't enjoy the end as much.
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- Susan Rabbitt
- 27-11-21
Beautiful reflections from a beautiful man
Having enjoyed Paul’s music since the 1970’s I was not surprised that this book reflected the character shown in his music. A deeply thought provoking insight into the great man. Thank you Paul for taking time to share with us.
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- Mike Harris
- 06-12-22
Creative, sensitive, interesting
Really enjoyed the innovative approach to this book even if not all the songs are to my taste. The craft is still astonishing.
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- SHEKHAR DESHPANDE
- 06-01-22
Goosebumps and tears - an emotional journey like no other
Is this the best audio book ever? For me, a diehard fan of Paul Simon, it certainly was.
A fascinating musical journey through his inner workings, his style, his genius mind, and the origination of songs and albums that are part of every music lover’s repertoire. Words can’t possibly do justice. I will listen to it dozens of times, that’s for sure.
Kudos also to Malcolm and Bruce for extracting this from Paul Simon, and for adding a mature, thoughtful and insightful perspective of their own.
If you only ever listen to one audio book, this should be it.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Social Work Tutor
- 26-11-21
Another excellent delivery from the king of audiobooks
Another excellent delivery from the king of audiobooks.
Malcolm Gladwell is the king of audiobooks and this latest entry does not disappoint.
It’s made a Paul Simon fan out of me!
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- Anonymous User
- 12-02-22
Surprisingly emotional
This was fantastic, thank you kindly Gladwell, Headlam, Simon, and Pushkin, a true work of art.
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- kevin
- 28-12-21
fascinating account
the paul simon comments are fascinating; some of the other stuff by the interviewer is a bit cringeworthy
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