Bookends

Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing in gatefold jacket. Includes digital download. "Bookends" is the fourth studio album by Simon & Garfunkel. Produced by Paul Simon, Roy Halee, and Art Garfunkel, the album was released on April 3, 1968, in the United States by Columbia Records. The duo had risen to fame two years prior with the albums "Sounds of Silence" and "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme," as well as the soundtrack album for the 1967 film "The Graduate." "Bookends" is a concept album that delves into a life journey from childhood to old age. Side one of the album represents successive stages in life, framing the theme as bookends to the life cycle. Side two predominantly features unused material intended for The Graduate soundtrack. Paul Simon's poignant lyrics touch on themes of youth, disillusionment, relationships, old age, and mortality. Collaborating with producer John Simon, much of the material was developed when Paul Simon faced writer's block. The album's recording took place gradually over the span of a year, with production intensifying in the later months of 1967.