In my series “Long Live Live”, I’m highlighting some of the most revered live recordings of all time. You’ll see my musical biases, but there’s no doubt that each of these tracks played a pivotal role in shaping music history. I started Mental Jukebox last year because I needed another music listening outlet when there were no more live shows to go to. These songs remind me that nothing will ever replace the blend of atmosphere and performance captured in the live experience.

On September 19, 1981, Simon & Garfunkel played a benefit concert at the Great Lawn. The first song in the encore was “Old Friends”. There was nothing except Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s vocals and Simon’s acoustic guitar. With no other instrumentation and nowhere to hide, that summer evening performance in Central Park showcased just how good their voices were and how simple and honest their songwriting was.

“The sounds of the city sifting through trees settle like dust on the shoulders of the old friends.”