1965-70 was the most fertile time in popular music. Right place, right time. Simon had well-developed talents for melody (which the British are usually better a

1965-70 was the most fertile time in popular music. Right place, right time. Simon had well-developed talents for melody (which the British are usually better at) and poetry. He also (unlike Joni) had a street-wise sense of humor and mystery (e.g. 'Me and Julio') to keep it real. He never settled into a pattern, but (like Madonna and Neil Young) kept renewing himself. Hard to do, but doesn't fade away.