America is easily my favorite Simon and Garfunkel song.  Let’s listen…

This may be as close to perfect as you can get.  I still get goosebumps listening to the lyrics:

“Kathy, I’m lost” I said, though I knew she was sleeping
“I’m empty and aching and I don’t know why…”
Counting the cars on the New Jersey turnpike
They’ve all gone to look for America

So….it should come as no surprise to anyone that Paul Simon was one of the recipients of the Polar Music Prize last month in Stockholm, Sweden.  Here is what the award committee had to say about Paul:

“The Polar Music Prize 2012 is awarded to Paul Simon. Nobody else is more deserving of the epithet of “world-class songwriter.” For five decades, Paul Simon has built bridges not only over troubled waters but over entire oceans by (re)joining the world’s continents with his music. With consummate skill, innovative arrangements and provocative lyrics that never fail to capture the currents of his age, Paul Simon has compiled a library of songs which will remain open to future generations.”

As part of the ceremony, First Aid Kit performed America in honor of Paul.  Let’s listen to their cover version of the song.

For those of you who don’t know, First Aid Kit is two Swedish sisters (I did another post about them back in January).  I thought they did an excellent job with America and Paul seemed to really enjoy the performance.

As always, let me know what you think!