Paul Simon: So Beautiful or So What

Simon’s jubilant release—his best since Graceland—brims with the joy of music-making and the wit of a wizened poet. But here is the secret other reviews don’t mention: This album is a killer demo disc (demo file?). It’s one of those recordings that makes even your car’s audio system sound its best. Needless to say, the 96/24 download is fabulous. The main difference between it and the CD can be heard in vocals; both Simon and the occasional backup singers sound far more natural, less “in your face.” This download is highly recommended both sonically and musically.