In October of 1988, Paul Simon released Negotiations and Love Songs, a collection of greatest hits from his first six solo albums (Paul Simon through Graceland). In support of the compilation, Paul stopped in to record this interview with Scott Muni in Manhattan to discuss every song on the album. As such, this recording provides a wonderful encapsulation of some of his most highly respected songs from the mouth of the writer himself, including insights into the lyrics, inspirations for the musical compositions, and stories behind the recording sessions. While the chat focuses mostly on these songs, there are also great stories about some of his earliest musical influences, his high school years with Art Garfunkel, and his current charity work.

Part 1 00:00 – Intro / Negotiations and Love Songs 01:22 – Preference for the sound from vinyl over cassettes and CDs 04:11 – A video for “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” (who’s in it, where) 05:25 – Introduction to “Me and Julio” 06:08 – Segue into “Mother and Child Reunion” 07:15 – “Mother and Child Reunion” (going to Jamaica) 08:02 – “Why Don’t You Write Me” / borrowing lines from old songs / ska 09:10 – “Mother and Child” / Roy Halee, Toots and the Maytalls, learning what reggae is 10:04 – “Me and Julio” / Brazilian percussion, world beat 10:44 – Hearing about ska in England in the 60’s / Lonnie Donegan 12:15 – A hurricane in Jamaica / the New York Children’s Health Project 15:55 – Charity concert for the Children’s Health Fund / challenges for the future 18:15 – Intro to “Something So Right” (a strange way to befriend Quincy Jones) 22:36 – Intro to “St. Judy’s Comet”

Part 2 00:00 – Graceland / how he approaches albums 01:35 – Recording There Goes Rhymin’ Simon / The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section 03:38 – Intro to “Loves Me Like a Rock” / The Dixie Hummingbirds 04:45 – Intro to “Kodachrome” / trademarking 07:10 – Working with Allen Toussaint 08:32 – The city of New Orleans and its music 10:46 – The effect of television and industry on music: dilution of culture 12:10 – Finding culture as a kid from Queens / reminiscing about wholistic radio 13:40 – Elvis Presley’s great contribution to music 15:00 – Alan Freed’s great contribution to music (and to Scott) 17:33 – Intro to “Ain’t That a Shame” / Pat Boone and Fats Domino 19:48 – Intro to “Have a Good Time” / Shampoo, music school, Phil Woods’ solo 22:05 – Intro to “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” / Steve Gadd, Tony Levin, Richard Tee, Eric Gale 24:35 – Reaction to winning a Grammy 25:38 – Intro to “Still Crazy After All These Years” 26:48 – Reluctance to being called a poet / writing lyrics / Chuck Berry’s influence 29:26 – Aural memory’s effect on emotion

Part 3 00:00 – Covers of “Hazy Shade of Winter” / other covers 01:50 – Intro to “Late in the Evening” / Buddy Holly and the Crickets 03:53 – Old records / singles vs. albums 05:05 – Early influences: doo-wop, gospel 06:47 – Tom & Jerry (Simon and Garfunkel) at age 14 / high school heroes 08:22 – Art’s influence on Paul’s career / his dad’s influence 09:48 – A session with the Everly Brothers (individually) 10:50 – The folk scene in the 1960’s: Bleecker and MacDougal, move to England, Bob Dylan 14:45 – Intro to “Slip Slidin’ Away” / The Oak Ridge Boys 16:00 – Intro to “Hearts and Bones” 18:40 – Intro to “Train in the Distance” 20:14 – Intro to “Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War” 22:40 – Intro to “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” / Youssou N’Dour 24:25 – Accolades and awards for Graceland / approach to the album 27:22 – Intro to “You Can Call Me Al” 29:50 – Thank you / outro

Part 4: Outtakes 00:00 – Taking over Alan Freed / a retirement home for rock n’ rollers 02:05 – Influences on current music, Bruce Hornsby, hearing new acts 04:32 – The obscuring of 50’s music / The Stray Cats 06:05 – Reminiscing about John Lennon 07:39 – Old records / doo-wop 10:05 – Keeping Negotiations and Love Songs narrowly focused 11:05 – Leaving CBS Records / a fight with Walter Yetnikoff 11:55 – The Concert in the Park