The early buzz on Paul Simons latest, So Beautiful or So What, is that its his best record since Graceland. But to the majority of the patrons who will fill the seats at WaMu Theater, that fact is completely insignificant. What matters are that the hits will be amply represented, and delivered respectfully. (People leave Bob Dylan shows early because they havent heard anything hes done since Greatest Hits Vol. II, and are abhorred by his voice). For those of you who havent picked up a Paul Simon effort since Bookends, you can rest assured that Simons voice is still clear, hes still engaged, and So Beautiful or So What packs the mix of effortless, near-silent poetry alongside head-bobbing traveling salvation shows that will keep you entertained between The Sounds of Silence and America. You know, it may just be his best record since Graceland. CHRIS KORNELIS
Fri., April 15, 8 p.m., 2011
