This year was always going to be a landmark for Paul Simon - he turns 70 in October. What we didn’t bank on, however, was that everyone’s favourite “long-lost pal” would still be enriching his classic back catalogue this late in the day. And yet with So Beautiful or So What Simon’s produced a stormer of an album that’s (whisper it) maybe even on a par with Graceland. As you might expect for someone approaching septuagenarian status, his lyrics ponder mortality and the pearly gates. However, sonically, it seems there’s still plenty inspiring him on Earth, the world music influences apparent in the kora-embellished ‘Rewrite’ and the tabla-driven ‘Dazzling Blue’. We’re just keeping our fingers crossed he’s got the energy for another video hook-up with Chevy Chase.