Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thyme CD: Simon & Garfunkel Album Guide

The “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” CD refers to the 1966 studio album by the iconic American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. Originally released on vinyl, this classic album was later reissued on CD format, featuring timeless tracks including “Scarborough Fair/Canticle,” “The Dangling Conversation,” and “Patterns.” The CD version typically includes the original 12-track album plus bonus material in later reissues, preserving the duo's harmonious folk sound for modern listeners.

The “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” album represents a pivotal moment in Simon & Garfunkel's career, released in October 1966 as their third studio album. While initially released on vinyl, this seminal work has been available on CD since the compact disc format gained popularity in the 1980s. The album’s title derives from the traditional English ballad “Scarborough Fair,” which appears on the record as “Scarborough Fair/Canticle,” featuring the memorable herb-named refrain.

Album Background and Significance

Recorded during a period of significant social change in America, “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” showcases Paul Simon’s sophisticated songwriting and the duo’s impeccable vocal harmonies. The album marked Simon & Garfunkel’s transition from folk revivalists to innovative artists blending traditional folk with contemporary themes. Though it didn’t achieve immediate commercial success like their later “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” this release established their artistic identity and featured production techniques that would influence folk rock for decades.

CD Track Listing and Format Details

When examining the parsley sage rosemary and thyme cd track listing, listeners will find the original album’s 12 tracks preserved in digital format. Modern CD reissues typically maintain the original sequence while offering enhanced sound quality. The standard CD release includes:

Track	Song Title	Duration
1	Scarborough Fair/Canticle	3:11
2	The Dangling Conversation	2:38
3	Patterns	2:41
4	Cloudy	2:28
5	Nancy (With the Laughing Face)	2:32
6	7 O'Clock News/The Sound of Silence	3:22
7	Flowers Never Bend with the Rainfall	2:23
8	A Simple Desultory Philippic (or How I Was Robert McNamara'd into Submission)	2:31
9	For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her	2:34
10	A Poem on the Underground Wall	2:10
11	7 O'Clock News/The Sound of Silence	3:22
12	Barbeque Bob	1:55

Later CD reissues, particularly the 1997 remastered edition and the 2001 “Legacy Edition,” include bonus tracks such as alternate takes and demos, providing deeper insight into Simon & Garfunkel’s creative process when recording this parsley sage rosemary and thyme cd collection.

Release History and Format Evolution

The journey from vinyl to CD for “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” reflects broader changes in music consumption. Originally released by Columbia Records on October 10, 1966, the album didn’t chart immediately but gained traction following the success of “The Sound of Silence.” The first CD release appeared in the mid-1980s as the industry transitioned to digital formats. Understanding the difference between original vinyl and cd release parsley sage rosemary and thyme helps collectors appreciate the album’s evolution.

Key CD release milestones include:

• 1987: First standard CD release with basic digital transfer
• 1997: Digitally remastered edition with improved sound quality
• 2001: “Legacy Edition” with bonus tracks and expanded liner notes
• 2004: SACD (Super Audio CD) hybrid release for audiophiles
• 2014: 50th anniversary remastering with additional unreleased material

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The significance of parsley sage rosemary and thyme album extends far beyond its initial release. The album’s sophisticated arrangements and thoughtful lyrics addressed themes of love, social change, and personal identity during a turbulent period in American history. “Scarborough Fair/Canticle,” with its haunting melody and anti-war message, became one of Simon & Garfunkel’s signature songs and remains culturally relevant today.

Critics initially praised the album’s musical maturity, with Rolling Stone later ranking it among the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” The album’s influence can be heard in subsequent folk rock and singer-songwriter movements, making it essential listening for understanding 1960s popular music evolution. When exploring the history of parsley sage rosemary and thyme album, one discovers how it bridged traditional folk with contemporary social commentary.

Where to Find the CD Today

For those searching where to buy parsley sage rosemary and thyme cd, several legitimate options exist. Major online retailers carry both standard and collector’s editions, while specialty music stores often stock the remastered versions. Libraries frequently include this classic album in their music collections, providing access without purchase.

When purchasing, collectors should note:

• Standard editions offer the original 12 tracks with good sound quality
• Remastered editions provide enhanced audio fidelity
• Special editions include valuable bonus material for serious fans
• Verify authenticity to avoid counterfeit releases

Why This Album Endures

More than five decades after its release, “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” continues to resonate with new generations of listeners. The album’s timeless themes, masterful songwriting, and exquisite vocal harmonies transcend their era. For music historians examining the parsley sage rosemary and thyme cd significance, the album represents a perfect intersection of folk tradition and contemporary social commentary.

Whether you’re a longtime fan rediscovering the album on CD or a new listener exploring Simon & Garfunkel’s catalog, this release offers a rich musical experience that has withstood the test of time. The CD format preserves the album’s sonic qualities while making this important piece of musical history accessible to modern audiences.

What year was Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thyme released on CD?

While originally released on vinyl in 1966, Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thyme first appeared on CD format in the mid-1980s as the music industry transitioned to digital formats. The first official CD release was in 1987, with subsequent remastered editions appearing in 1997, 2001, and 2014.

Does the CD version have different tracks than the original album?

The standard CD release maintains the original 12-track sequence from the 1966 vinyl release. However, special edition CD reissues, particularly the 1997 remaster and 2001 Legacy Edition, include bonus tracks such as alternate takes, demos, and previously unreleased material that weren't on the original album release.

Why is it called Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thyme?

The album title comes from the traditional English ballad 'Scarborough Fair,' which Simon & Garfunkel adapted as 'Scarborough Fair/Canticle' on the album. The song's lyrics include the line 'Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,' referring to herbs with symbolic meanings in medieval times. The title reflects the album's folk roots and thematic connections to traditional music.

Is Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thyme considered a concept album?

While not a strict concept album, Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thyme features thematic cohesion through its exploration of love, loss, and social commentary. The album connects through musical motifs and lyrical themes rather than a single narrative, with songs like 'Scarborough Fair/Canticle' and '7 O'Clock News/The Sound of Silence' creating a dialogue between traditional folk and contemporary issues.