Art Garfunkel - Up 'Til Now

Garfunkel's single-CD album, Up 'Til Now, is a very peculiar compilation. It doesn't include any of his six Top 40 hits as a solo artist; in fact, it only includes two songs from his previous solo albums. It does include "The Breakup," and 1964's original all-acoustic version of "The Sound of Silence" before a folk-rock rhythm section was added to turn it into a hit. It also includes his theme song for the CBS-TV series "Brooklyn Bridge" and his lovely version of Hoagy Carmichael & Frank Loesser's "Two Sleepy People" for the soundtrack album of A League of Their Own. It's strictly MOR, but Garfunkel lends this much-maligned genre an elegance largely missing from the work of such MOR stars as Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Harry Connick Jr., and Liza Minnelli. Those other singers strain to oversell their modest material, while Garfunkel has the good grace to understate his vocals and allow the frothy sentiments to float atop his purring melodies. And that makes all the difference. --Geoffrey Himes Amazon.com

Just so mellow!

I absolutely love this album -- and am so glad to see that Amazon FINALLY has it in stock! (The library would not sell me their copy, so I just keep getting it out again and again!) Art's voice is so melodious and relaxing. Great for a time when you feel stressful -- or just to enjoy lovely singing anytime. I highly recommend Up 'til Now. August 10, 2006

It is fantastic...but....

...It is very very hard to work out exactly what this album IS.

It is not a compilation of his best....It is not new material yet it includes some...

The best way to describe this album is 'The Best of What Was Left Out...and Some More'.

It contains 'Crying In The Rain', which was freshly recorded with James Taylor for the album. The sounds are fantastic, and like their previous work their voices gell extremely well.

The Breakup is amusing, and has Paul and Art bickering in an evidently rehearsed studio snippet...Although not a song, it is a lovely addition to the album.

All I Know is a song from his very first solo album, Angel Clare, and this is a later take on that hit song. Although nowhere near as majestic as the original, it is still a nice tune, and Jimmy Webb on the piano sounds fantastic.

Just Over Brooklyn Bridge is a very short, but a very majestic little tune. The Sound of Silence is the famous acoustic take on S&G's hit song, it doesnt quite fit in here though, and therefore it just doesnt seem right.

All My Love's Laughter is again a later take on a previous hit, and Since I Don't Have You comes straight from 'Fate For Breakfast'.

Skywriter is probably the best song on this CD, a live take on a tune which I believe could rival any of his previous hits, as Art sings it in a wonderful way, as it would seem only he could.

The Decree comes from Animals Christmas album which he did w/ Amy Grant in 1986, and Two Sleepy People is done fantastically. One Less Holiday is a song which never made it to 'Scissors Cut', and It's All In The Game compliments Arts great voice once again.

Why Worry is one of my favourites on this album, again it is his voice...Sound like a parrot now.

So why only a 4 out of 5?

Well, although it has great songs on it, it can feel a little disjointed at times, and compared to his previous work, it doesnt feel as well structured.

But even with that, it has some gems in there, especially 'Skywriter' and 'Crying In The Rain'...So if you are a fan...it is a must.

If you arent....then it is a worthy addition to a general music rack regardless. November 16, 2003

And On the seventh day God rested.

This album rested me so. I was able to leave my cares behind and smile again. I like alll the songs please buy this abum and I recommend it for gifts also. Know whom you are giving the album to. I liked the breakup the belly laugh I laughed probably changed my out look for a long while. My perspective healed,-- I went on with new strength. I Enjoy singing and working on the Excutive Decisions facing an commuity citizen. I have a music collection and I am planning to included more this style. July 3, 2001

And on the 7th Day He rested

Listening to this album is like a vacation. Or a well deserved rest. I felt so much better. I brought this album on vacation with me and woke to the feelihg that all was well with me and the world. It is clear the two have a good perspective of who they are and where they are going. It is also clear that the slection of the songs can orchestrate an album into and enjoyable listening experience. From all the songs I felt the joy of singing and the joy of doing some thing you love to do. The quality of the performance and the meaning of the songs were just what I needed. July 2, 2001

Okay, I stand corrected. THIS is Art's best recording.

My second Art Garfunkel album, and I think it's really awesome! "Crying in the Rain", sung with James Taylor, is positively beautiful! "The Break Up" is hilarious (although I couldn't hear Paul Simon's remarks very well)! "Skywriter" is gorgeous! This entire recording is definately Art at his best. You will definately not regret buying it. July 14, 2000

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