Simon and Garfunkel “Bridge Over Troubled Water” released on this date, January 26th, 1970. I recently nabbed this copy from my parents’ collection and I believe they had it since its release in ‘70 – I can’t recall a time growing up in the 70′s when it wasn’t on heavy rotation. Considered among the best records ever released, the duo’s fifth and final album hit #1 literally everywhere (or at least the countries where such things are tracked) and won a couple of Grammys. My favorite tracks are the ones I loved best as a little kid. “Cecilia” was always my favorite (and continues to be), a raucously fun song, great syncopated beat! with a funny/sad lyrics; it hit #4 in the US. I love the mysterious “El Condor Pasa,” the song’s melody based on Peruvian folk music (Paul Simon was sued for the track by the original recording/composer’s son who had a copyright for the track); it went to #18 in the US. Another favorite is Simon and Garfunkel’s cover of the Everly Brothers’ “Bye Bye Love” which they recorded live, including the audience’s clap-along on the LP. I was also completely fascinated by “The Boxer” (#7 US) – I distinctly remember reading the lyrics on the back cover not long after I figured out to actually read (maybe 4 years old or thereabouts) so I could sing along. Generally it’s not the kind of song I like (i.e. not a rocker) but it’s so full of tension and such a good story. It’s probably Simon and Garfunkel heresy, but I really didn’t like – and still don’t – the title track “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” which is one of the duo’s best-known and best-loved songs ever. (I find it overblown and excessively sentimental, though it’s possible I just heard it way too much in the 70′s) Of course it hit #1 in the US (plus the UK and a bunch of other places) and won two Grammys for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1971. I recently read Paul Simon’s biography (a really great read!) and he talked extensively about the track – he felt it was one of his best written songs to date but was ticked (and still is!) that everyone assumed it was Garfunkel’s song since he basically sang it solo in concert.