Art Garfunkel Album: “Scissors Cut”

This album is by far one of my favorites. Some might dismiss it as lyrically and perhaps musically inferior to the Garfunkel sound. This is really quite tragic, as I see the songs on the album a perfect reflection of who and what Garfunkel stand for. I am 24 years old and was not even alive when the album was released so I cannot compare it to pop music of the time--although I never really classified Art Garfunkel as pop---more as Art Music. What I can say is that his voice, the way he chooses to use it, the songs he chooses to utilize it in, and the lyrics he expresses have touched me. He is an artist in this album in the sense that he knows himself and what he wants to say to the listener. If you are looking for the sensitive Garfunkel displaying his usual sensitive tenor voice, then this album is for you. It might even be classified as a concept album as it takes you through the journey of love.

"Scissors Cut" reminds me so much of NYC as it was the one album I seemed to play over and over - and "A Heart in New York" is nothing less than a great valentine to that city. This is beautifully crafted masterpiece of a record with one outstanding song after another, "Scissors Cut," with the legendary background vocals of Leah Kunkel (a name more music lovers need to know - she backs up James Taylor on his classic "JT" album), "Up in the World," the stunning, classic "Bright Eyes," "Can't Turn My Eyes Away," as subtle and fine a love song as has ever been written, leading to a trio of songs that ends with "That's All I've Got to Say," a short, tender coda to a remarkable collection. There was some thought and care put into the song collection to create an overall feeling - and except for the rock tinged, "Hang on In," every song seems to flow into the other with real grace. Garfunkel's vocals, as the years go on, only seem more magificent and timeless. I think this stands as one of his finest achievments. A real classic!

Just a warning for anyone looking to buy the mp3s: 'Can't Turn My Heart Away' and 'The French Waltz' are screwed up.

The first minute or so of 'The French Waltz' is tacked on to the end of 'Can't Turn...' and when that track ends and switches to the 'Waltz' there is a noticeable piece of the song actually missing!

The songs should have run times of 3:22 and 3:11, but you'll notice here they are 4:22 and 2:11.

I tried to indicate to Amazon that their product is defective but they basically ignored me.

They, assuming my musical ignorance, explained that sometimes intros to songs are on the previous tracks and blah,blah,blah. I know, I know. Trust me, that's not supposed to be the case with this album. Each song is it's own track. If you see tracks 7 and 8 with 4:22 and 2:11 run times do not buy them!

I checked on itunes as well, same problem. CD Universe has mp3s that have the correct run times so you may want to check there.

Again this is a warning to buyers since Amazon or Sony or whoever refuses to fix their products.

I realize that the one star rating is not what this album deserves. However I've found that it's the best way to let people know about defective products.

"Scissors Cut",released in 1981,went unnoticed by the record-buying public,which is a shame because its is a strong,gorgeous collection of pop ballads sung by the man with the golden voice Art Garfunkel.The hightlights are a plenty including the Jimmy Webb compositions "Scissors Cut","That's All I've Got To Say" and "In Cars"(featuring Paul Simon on backing vocals),plus "The French Waltz","So Easy To Begin",the U.K. chart-topper "Bright Eyes" and the almost-hit "A Heart In New York"(which was featured in the Simon & Garfunkel Central Park reunion concert).While not quite up to the mark of "Angel Clare" or "Breakaway",its still makes for beautiful listening,perfect for candlelight nights.

i heard this from a audiophile LP and I played it once and I was hooked. It is one of the most tender records I own. It's a dedication ( to Laurie Bird his girlfriend who died from suicide and was in my favorite movies Two lane Blacktop with Dennis Wilson and James Taylor ) in many different ways before she died and after she died. So the album has a sense of sadness beauty and loss. I believe the photo on the back cover is her. You can see her lips but not the rest of her face that is statement in someway too. This is a fantastic album you'll play over and over if you feel hope depression and loss and the songs are excellent. I wish he made albums more like this. But sometimes you get one chance. Art's other albums are good too but not like this one.