Paul Simon recently revealed plans to embark on a North American tour this spring, hinting at the arrival of a new album titled Stranger to Stranger. Well, before he sets off on the road at the end of the month, the iconic singer-songwriter has unveiled details about the new LP and shared a brand new single.
Stranger to Stranger will arrive on June 3 through Concord.
The album has been in the works for the last five years, and hears Simon trying to break new sonic ground despite being in the business for more than 50 years. "To get people to listen with open ears, you have to really make something that is interesting," he told Rolling Stone, "because people are prepared for it not to be interesting."
To achieve that, Simon incorporated a variety of global influences, mixing electronic synthesizer beats and rhythms with the more traditional sounds of African woodwind instruments, Peruvian drums, a gospel quartet and horns.
Majority of the record was made at his home studio in Connecticut, though some sessions took place at Montclair State University, where Simon was given access to bizarre, custom-made instruments like cloud-chamber bowls and the chromelodeon.
Below, you can check out the full tracklisting for the upcoming album. The first sonic sampling of Stranger to Stranger arrives with "Wristband" — a song that tells the story of a rock star getting turned away from his own show for not having the right wristband to show security. Hit play to hear it now.
Stranger to Stranger:
1. The Werewolf
2. Wristband
3. The Clock
4. Street Angel
5. Stranger To Stranger
6. In A Parade
7. Proof Of Love
8. In the Garden Of Edie
9. The Riverbank
10. Cool Papa Bell
11. Insomniac's Lullaby
Stranger to Stranger will arrive on June 3 through Concord.
The album has been in the works for the last five years, and hears Simon trying to break new sonic ground despite being in the business for more than 50 years. "To get people to listen with open ears, you have to really make something that is interesting," he told Rolling Stone, "because people are prepared for it not to be interesting."
To achieve that, Simon incorporated a variety of global influences, mixing electronic synthesizer beats and rhythms with the more traditional sounds of African woodwind instruments, Peruvian drums, a gospel quartet and horns.
Majority of the record was made at his home studio in Connecticut, though some sessions took place at Montclair State University, where Simon was given access to bizarre, custom-made instruments like cloud-chamber bowls and the chromelodeon.
Below, you can check out the full tracklisting for the upcoming album. The first sonic sampling of Stranger to Stranger arrives with "Wristband" — a song that tells the story of a rock star getting turned away from his own show for not having the right wristband to show security. Hit play to hear it now.
Stranger to Stranger:
1. The Werewolf
2. Wristband
3. The Clock
4. Street Angel
5. Stranger To Stranger
6. In A Parade
7. Proof Of Love
8. In the Garden Of Edie
9. The Riverbank
10. Cool Papa Bell
11. Insomniac's Lullaby