Wilfrid

And my next four flights are American, United, United and Spirit. I really have to book based on price and convenience rather than brand of tonic.

Yes, I did think he had passed.

Okay, I’ll pour some crap soda into the gin next time.

Now that is an irreligious song. 👢

I only wish to consider the incompetence of editing at The New Yorker when it comes to popular music. Paul Simon can do what he likes. Now, you say Jerry Lee Lewis has a new video?

This made me confirm that Barry Mann is still with us.

I was kind of walking away when we got to Merton.

I think “neon god” is clearly not God. I don’t know the other reference. But what’s the relevance?

I am good with my choice. It’s like Winston Churchill’s martini but with some ice.

No, waste of time. Just accept my assessment. 😊

And there’s a great discussion to be had, of course, about whether the author’s intentions could constrain the song from being religious. Once Aretha got her hands on it, it wasn’t secular no more (if it ever was, and I really don’t believe it was).

Nothing to do with being Christian. See the article.

Ya think “America,” “Sound of Silence” and “American Tune” are religious songs? Read the article. My modest and I believe unarguable point is that Amanda neglects the most titanically obvious song you need to discuss if you are going to discuss Simon as a writer of religious songs.

She finds religious tropes in a bunch of his old songs (which don’t mention God; apparently the new album mentions “the Lord”). “America,” “The Sound of Silence,” “American Tune,” etc. But his most famous song, embraced and sung by gospel choirs around the world, and which is overtly religious — although sure, you could do a secular reading of the lyrics separate from the music — not even cited. It’s like a two page article on how Marvin Gaye’s music relate to the civil rights movement, but oops Amanda and her editors forgot “What’s Going On.”

I would rather be closer to a poor dry martini than a poor gin and tonic,

That’s what the article is about, I just don’t know if he uses the word “God.” I am just saying, how could you write a full review about all that, and mention many of his older songs, but oh, oops, not even refer to his epochal gospel song?

I love connections like that.

Don’t misunderstand, I like a well made gin and tonic, but not pouring tonic over gin for no reason.

Oh sure, I can drown it in something I don’t really want.

And do any of the others? (I haven’t checked.) It’s a remarkable oversight. I mean, more than an oops.

Although it's not my habit, shots of vodka straight out of the freezer are a thing.

There's one time I drink gin straight (unless a bartender eschews vermouth and I don't notice until I'm drinking the so-called martini). That's if I'm on a plane during cocktail hour and the plane is not going to offer an actual cocktail. But even then, I drink it over ice.

No. Not unless you prefer a less cold drink than what's readily available. Also it won't enhance viscosity. I am not out on a limb here, there are zillions of articles explaining the benefits. I keep the gin in the freezer, stir or shake it with ice, and serve in a chilled coupe. You can eliminate any of those steps and get a warmer drink. Many bars will happily demonstrate that.

It takes some kind of perverse genius to write two pages on the role of religion in Paul Simon's music and not once mention his most famous song which has become a global gospel standard. But by heck, Petrusich did it. (I guess what's worse is no editor passed it back to her and said, hey, is it worth mentioning that troubled water song?)

Thanks to Anthony Newley.