11 DECEMBER 1966
Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘A Hazy Shade of Winter’ was at its peak position of #13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it their fifth Top 30 hit of the year. It also reached #30 in the UK.
Although this song was recorded during the sessions for their third album 'Parley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme', it was released as a stand-alone single, and then later included on their 1968 'Bookends' album. It certainly rocks by their own standards, with a prominent (acoustic) guitar hook and incessant beat. Lyrically, Simon returns to one of his favourite themes - intellectual urban social alienation.
Although this song was recorded during the sessions for their third album 'Parley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme', it was released as a stand-alone single, and then later included on their 1968 'Bookends' album. It certainly rocks by their own standards, with a prominent (acoustic) guitar hook and incessant beat. Lyrically, Simon returns to one of his favourite themes - intellectual urban social alienation.
'Funny how my memory skipsIn the 1980s, the Bangles' took a cover of this song to #2.
Looking over manuscripts
Of unpublished rhyme
Drinking my vodka and lime'
B-side: 'For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her'
Recorded: 7 September 1966, Columbia Studio A, New York City
Released: 22 October 1966
Highest chart position: #30 (UK), #13 (US)
Length: 2:17
Label: Columbia
Writer: Paul Simon
Producer: Bob Johnston
