Origins: Bleecker Street (Paul Simon)

Subject: bleeker street/ sounds of silence
From: GUEST,sammy
Date: 22 Apr 00 - 09:14 AM

Since 1966 or so I've thought that Paul Simon wrote the wonderfully depressing "Bleeker Street." But on the recent CD compilation of the same name, Jerry Landis is given credit for writing it. Anybody know what's what?

While I'm thinking about it, has there ever been a more depressing song than Sounds of Silence?

Subject: RE: bleeker street
From: GUEST,Franz
Date: 22 Apr 00 - 11:00 AM

That would be Jerry Landis aka Paul Simon from Tom & Jerry, an early incarnation of S & G. Click here for more.

Personally I think Bleecker Street is peaceful rather than depressing. CSNY's Ohio would be in the latter category.

franz

Subject: RE: bleeker street
From: Irish sergeant
Date: 22 Apr 00 - 11:44 AM

Now that is interesting because I remember the song. It was done by the Chad Mitchell Trio back in the 1960s (I'm assuming pre Beatles during the height of the Folk Music Craze) I no longer have the album. I lost it many long years ago during one of my many moves. The group was notable for featuring singer John Denver. That is the only version of the song i remember but if indeed it is the same one, it struck me as a very bleek and depressing song. As I remember, it's about a girl becoming a hooker to support her drug habit. If I am wrong, and it is a different song, I'd love to see the lyrics, Neil

Subject: RE: bleeker street
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 12:28 AM

You may be confusing this with Tom Paxton's song "Cindy's Crying": "Cindy's crying and she can't get loose... / gonna be a hooker on Bleecker Street."

--Charlie Baum