The 1970 song Paul Simon called the “best” singing on record: “We sang it in the echo-chamber”
The article examines Paul Simon’s appreciation of “The Only Living Boy in New York”, arguing that its layered harmonies showcased the strongest vocal work Simon and Art Garfunkel ever produced together. Although Simon was moving towards more adventurous, less conventional music by the time of *Bridge Over Troubled Water*, he reportedly viewed the song’s vocal blend as something uniquely powerful.
Simon said the background “aaahhs” were created by recording roughly 12 to 15 voices in an echo chamber. The article suggests these harmonies deepen the song’s themes of loneliness and uncertainty, while reflecting the duo’s longstanding musical connection and Simon’s enduring understanding of vocal arrangement.
- Simon considered the song’s harmonies their finest vocal achievement.
- Around 12–15 voices were recorded in an echo chamber.
- The harmonies reinforce the song’s themes of isolation.